Volunteers are essential to our mission. Each year our volunteers donate their time to help in virtually every garden and department to care for our collections and enhance the Smithsonian visitor experience.

Volunteers with Smithsonian Gardens must:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Complete a Smithsonian Institution background check
  • Attend a new volunteer orientation
  • Complete necessary training requirements for your unique volunteer role
  • Log and track your volunteer hours online
  • Read weekly volunteer updates
  • Maintain open communication with volunteer program staff and your volunteer supervisor